ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Union Minister Dr Jitendra says, Department of Biotechnology has funded fifty-one  Biotech-Kisan hubs connecting Indian farmers with best scientists and institutions
The Minister said, the aim of the programme is to work with small and marginal farmers for better agriculture productivity through scientific intervention and evolving best farming practices
The programme has benefitted over four lakhs farmers by increasing their agriculture output and income and created 200 entrepreneurs in rural areas
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the Department of Biotechnology has funded fifty-one  Biotech-Kisan hubs out of which forty-four  are operational. These hubs are located in 15 agro-climatic zones of the country and are conducting activities in 169 districts.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Department of Biotechnology  is implementing farmers-centric Mission Programme ‘Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network’ . The programme connects Indian farmers with best scientists and institutions.
The Minister said, the aim of the programme is to work with small and marginal farmers for better agriculture productivity through scientific intervention and evolving best farming practices. The core activities of the programme are understanding the problems of the local farmer, scouting available technologies/solutions, demonstration and scale-up programmes, creation of strong Scientists-Farmers Interaction Platform; training programmes for the farmer and immersion programmes for scientists, communication through radio/TV and social media, thematic fellowship for selected farmers and special solution-driven thematic fellowships to women farmers.
The intended benefits of the programme are to increase farmer’s income by technological interventions and develop bio-based enterprises in rural areas. The programme has benefitted over four lakhs farmers  by increasing their agriculture output and income. Programme is also successful in developing 200 entrepreneurs in rural areas. The Department has till date provided support of Rs. 9554.146 lakhs to the programme.
Moreover, the Ministries/Departments of Government of India are implementing various programmes for direct linkage between science laboratories and farmers in country. Department of Agricultural Research and Education /Indian Council of Agricultural Research  is supporting 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras  and implementing programmes like Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav , Scheduled Castes Sub Plan  programme and farmer FIRST. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  laboratories CIMAP  and National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow  provides technical support and advice to farmers through training programmes and skill development programmes on various aspects of agriculture, science and technology. In addition to Biotech-Kisan, Department is also supporting farmers through its societal programme.
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
No hotels or restaurants can add service charge automatically or by default in the food bill: Consumer Affairs Ministry
Central Consumer Protection Authority  issues guidelines for preventing unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights with regard to levying of service charge in hotels and restaurants
Consumer may lodge a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline  against the service charged
Complaint can also be filed electronically through e-daakhil portal for speedy and effective redressal
The Central Consumer Protection Authority  has issued guidelines for preventing unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights with regard to levying of service charge in hotels and restaurants.
The guidelines issued by CCPA stipulate that hotels or restaurant shall not add service charge automatically or by default in the food bill. No collection of service charge shall be done by any other name. No hotel or restaurant shall force a consumer to pay service charge and shall clearly inform the consumer that service charge is voluntary, optional and at consumer’s discretion. No restriction on entry or provision of services based on collection of service charge shall be imposed on consumers. Service charge shall not be collected by adding it along with the food bill and levying GST on the total amount. The guidelines can be accessed by clicking on the link.
If any consumer finds that a hotel or restaurant is levying service charge in violation to the guidelines, a consumer may make a request to the concerned hotel or restaurant to remove service charge from the bill amount. Also, the consumer may lodge a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline , which works as an alternate dispute redressal mechanism at the pre-litigation level by calling 1915 or through the NCH mobile app.
The consumer may also file a complaint against unfair trade practice with the Consumer Commission. The Complaint can also be filed electronically through e-daakhil portal www.e-daakhil.nic.in for its speedy and effective redressal. Furthermore, the consumer may submit a complaint to the District Collector of the concerned district for investigation and subsequent proceeding by the CCPA. The complaint may also be sent to the CCPA by e-mail at com-ccpa[at]nic[dot]in.
A number of complaints have been registered in the National Consumer Helpline  by consumers with regard to levying of service charge. The issues raised by consumers include restaurants making service charge compulsory and adding it in the bill by default, suppressing that paying such charge is optional and voluntary and embarrassing consumers in case they resist paying service charge.
Various cases relating to levying of service charge have also been decided by consumer commissions in favor of consumers, holding the same as an unfair trade practice and in violation of consumer rights.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying allays fears that the Coronavirus can be transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa
Consuming eggs, chicken, meat and fish completely safe: Shri Giriraj Singh
The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Giriraj Singh has allayed fears that the Coronavirus can be transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa by being in contact or by consuming eggs, chicken, meat and fish. Refuting rumours circulating in social media and other forum, Shri Giriraj Singh said there is no risk in eating non-vegetarian food.
Addressing the media here today, Shri Giriraj Singh andthe MoS  Shri Sanjeev Kumar Balyan said messages are spreading through the social, print and electronic media stating that consumption of eggs and chicken meat may spread corona virus infection to the human being. This kind of message has created panic amongst the poultry farmers, industries and consumers. Because of this misleading information, the sale of eggs and chicken meat has drastically suffered and millions of poor farmers dependent on poultry farming are under threat of losing their livelihood.
Shri Giriraj Singh said more than ten crore farmers are directly involved in poultry farming, animal husbandry and fisheries, contributing more than Rs. 1.2 lakh crore to the GDP. Besides, there are millions of maize and soya farmers, medicines and vaccine manufacturers also involved indirectly with the poultry sector. Hence, any kind panic related to poultry products consumption will destroy livelihood of the millions of people. The consumers will also be deprived of availability of good source of protein.
Shri Giriraj Singh said the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the Department of Fisheries have issued separate advisories to all States and UTs in this regard. The Departments continuously keep vigil on the corona virus situation in the country and across the world. So far, it has been noticed that the predominant route of transmission of Novel Corona Virus  appears to be human interaction. The virus is transmitted from human to human as per World Animal Health Organization , though 2019-nCov might have animal source. Poultry has not found to be involved in transmission of corona virus to human so far in any report globally. Similar viral outbreaks of corona virus in the past  or corona associated common cold had no involvement of poultry or poultry products world over. Thus the consumption of Indian poultry and poultry products including eggs is safe. A general hygiene, however, may be followed.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of noted Ayurvedic physician, Dr. PK Warrier
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of noted Ayurvedic physician, Dr. PK Warrier.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Saddened by the passing away of Dr. PK Warrier. His contributions to popularise Ayurveda will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Government of India issues biometric identity cards and QR Coded PVC Aadhaar cards to fishermen to facilitate them to get financial and technical support under various schemes of Government of India as well as for identification of fishermen at sea by the coastal security agencies
Till date 19,16,781 fishermen have been issued biometric identity cards and 12,40,869 fishermen have been issued QR Coded PVC Aadhaar cards
(Other than the issuance of biometric identity cards to coastal fishermen under the Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, the QR Coded PVC Aadhaar cards are also issued to fishermen to facilitate them to get financial and technical support under various schemes of Government of India as well as for identification of fishermen at sea by the coastal security agencies. Till date 19,16,781 fishermen have been issued biometric identity cards and 12,40,869 fishermen have been issued QR Coded PVC Aadhaar cards by the Government of India.
This information was given by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Stakeholders Event for Working Groups 1 & 2 at the first Ministerial meeting of India-EU Trade and Technology Council
As part of the first Ministerial meeting of India-European Union Trade and Technology Council , a Stakeholders Event for Working Groups 1 & 2 was co-chaired by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution is one of the co-chairs along with Dr. S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister  and Sh. Rajeev Chandrashekar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology  on the Indian side and Ms. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of European Commission, and Mr. Theirry Breton, European Commissioner, on the EU side.
The event was attended by 18 stakeholders, from various business sectors both India and EU presented their views and suggestions. From the Indian side, there were five stakeholders who represented the digital and technology sector  while three represented clean and green energy technologies .
The discussions included issues on digital technologies, innovations and disruptions; interoperability for cross border merchant payments; re-globalisation; enabling harmonised standards, regulations and policies to enhance digital trade and investment between India and the EU; digital transformation to scale, need to reskill and improve talent; certifications enabling new innovations and technologies; engagements on production of green hydrogen; battery systems and recycling; scaling up charging systems for better access; waste and water management, etc.
Sh. Piyush Goyal, in his address and subsequent interventions, underscored the importance of new digital technologies and their transformations helping to reskill and upskill existing talents. The Minister informed that mutual recognition of degrees/courses would enable joint skill development on both sides. He also suggested that in order to have deeper understanding based on mutual sensitivities, working groups need to engage periodically and identify separate tracks for skilling and talent, semiconductor ecosystem etc. to move towards clear and identifiable deliverables.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories , Bengaluru develop BiPAP Non Invasive Ventilator “SwasthVayu” in 36 Days for COVID -19.
The system has been certified for safety and performance by NABL accredited agencies and undergone stringent biomedical tests
CSIR - National Aerospace Laboratories  Bangalore, a constituent of lab of CSIR has developed a Non Invasive BiPAP Ventilator in a record time of 36 days to treat COVID-19 patients.BiPAP Non-Invasive ventilator is a microcontroller-based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible “3D printed manifold & coupler” with HEPA filter . These unique features help to alleviate the fear of the virus spread. It has features like Spontaneous, CPAP, Timed, AUTO BIPAP modes with provision to connect Oxygen concentrator or Enrichment unit externally. The system has been certified for safety and performance by NABL accredited agencies. The system has undergone stringent biomedical tests and beta clinical trials at NAL Health Centre.
The major advantage of this machine is that it is simple to use without any specialized nursing, cost effective, compact and configured with majority of indigenous components. This is ideal for treating COVID -19 patients in Wards, Make shift Hospitals, dispensaries and home in current Indian COVID 19 scenario.CSIR-NAL is in process of taking it forward with the regulatory authorities for the approval and expected to get shortly. CSIR-NAL has already initiated dialogue with major public/private industries as a partner for mass production.
DG CSIR, Dr Shekhar C Mande, complemented CSIR NAL team which has enabled a spin-off technology based on its expertise in the aerospace design domain. He also recalled the contribution of CSIR-NAL in the flight of indigenously developed Hansa-3, on May 11th in 1998, which is one of the achievements that is also celebrated on National Technology Day.
Director CSIR-NAL, Shri Jitendra J. Jadhav stated that based on global experience and specific inputs from pulmonologists in India and abroad, CSIR-NAL developed BIPAP Non Invasive Ventilator with externally connected Oxygen concentrator which will be ideal to treat moderate or mid-stage severe COVID-19 patients who do not require intubation and invasive ventilation.
The success is the culmination of efforts of team of technocrats and medical practitioners under the leadership of Dr. CM Ananda, Head Electronics Dept., Dr.Amarnarayan D, Chief Medical Officer- NAL, Dr. Viren Sardana – Respiratory Physiologist CSIR-IGIB and team of scientists at NAL who have worked relentlessly during Covid-19 restrictions.
#CSIRFightsCovid-19
#NationalTechnologyDay2020
Ministry of Defence
INS SUNAYNA VISIT TO PORT BEIRA, MOZAMBIQUE
INS Sunayna visited Beira, Mozambique from 28- 30 Jun 23 reinforcing India's cordial ties with maritime neighbours and vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region . The Commanding Officer,INS Sunayna called on office of the State Secretary, Republic of Mozambique and Mayor of Municipal Council of Beira.
During the port call, personnel from Indian Navy and Mozambique Navy were engaged in a wide range of professional and training interactions, deck visits and sports fixtures. As part of maritime partnership exercise, joint training sessions were conducted on various aspects of navigation, fire fighting, damage control, Visit Board Search & Seize and asymmetric warfare.
The ship was open for visitors from 28-29 Jun 23. As part of Indian Navy's community outreach programme, a medical checkup camp was organised for local populace. More than 100 patients were provided cardiovascular, respiratory, gynaecology and maternal/paediatrics consultation in addition to general health checkup. In another social outreach activity, necessary provisions were distributed to a local orphanage at Beira. Spreading the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Family One Health', a joint yoga session was conducted with Mozambique Navy personnel and their families onboard Sunayna. Joint EEZ patrol off Mozambique coast is also scheduled as part of the deployment.
VM/PS 102/23
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Ministry of Education
Last date to submit application for National Means cum Merit Scholarship scheme extended till 31st October, 2022
Last date to submit application for National Means cum Merit Scholarship scheme extended till 31st October, 2022
The last date for submission of application for ‘NMCMSS for the year 2022-23 extended till 31st October, 2022’ Under the ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ scholarships are awarded to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their drop out at class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at secondary stage. One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded to selected students from class IX every year and their continuation / renewal in classes X to XII for students studying in State Government, Government-aided and local body schools. The amount of scholarship is Rs. 12000/- per annum.
The National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme  is boarded on the National Scholarship Portal  - a one stop platform for scholarship schemes given to students. NMMSS scholarships are disbursed directly into the bank accounts of selected students by electronic transfer through Public Financial Management System  following DBT mode. This is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme.
Students whose parental income from all sources is not more than Rs. 3,50,000/- per annum are eligible to avail the scholarships. The students must have minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class VII examination for appearing in the selection test for award of scholarship .
The last date of INO level  verification is 15th November, 2022 and of DNO level  verification is 30th November, 2022.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Notification for extension of validity of fee payment and extension of time period for paying fees as mandated under rule 32 and 81 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989
In pursuant to the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs vide No.40-3/2020-DM-I, Dated 24th March 2020 and subsequent amendments regarding imposition of complete lock down due to outbreak of COVID-19, the MoRTH had issued an advisory dated 30th March, 2020 to all regarding extension of validity of the documents related to Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. It was advised that documents whose extension of validity could not or not likely be granted due to lock-down and which have expired since 1st of Feb, 2020 or would expire till 30th June 2020, Enforcement authorities were advised to treat such documents valid till 30th of June, 2020.
It has also come to the notice of the Government that citizens are facing difficulties in respect of various fees/late fees as mandated under rule 32 and 81 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 due to lock down in the country and closure of Government Transport Offices. There are cases where the fees have already been paid, for the service or renewal, however the process could not be completed due to lockdown. Further, there are issues where citizen is finding difficult to deposit fees due to closure of RTO offices.
In order to facilitate citizens during COVID –19, MORTH has issued a statutory order prescribing that the fees paid on or after 1st February 2020 for the activity including renewal and in case such activity is not completed due to conditions for prevention of COVID-19 pandemic, the fees paid shall continue to remain valid. And If there is delay in paying the fees from 1st of Feb, 2020 till the period of lockdown there would not be any additional or late fee yo be charged for such delays till 31st July 2020.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Steps Undertaken for the Wellbeing of COVID Warriors
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken a number of steps to improve wellbeing of healthcare workers managing COVID-19. Few of the actions taken in this regard include:
- With the launch of COVID-19 vaccination initiative on 16th January 2021, Healthcare workers were identified as one of the first priority group. State Governments/ UT administrations have been repeatedly urged to ensure that the medical professionals engaged in Covid related work are suitably vaccinated.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control practices to the State Governments to minimize the risk of infection to healthcare workers.
- For high-risk exposures, healthcare workers are provided with a quarantine period initially for one week and thereafter taking the profile of the health worker a decision to be taken for further period of one week. An advisory to this effect for managing health care workers working in COVID and Non-COVID areas of the hospital was issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 18th June 2020.
- MoHFW on 18thJune 2020, as per directions issued by Hon’ble Supreme Court in a batch of writ petitions and in exercise of powers delegated under section 10 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, States/UTs have been directed to ensure that salaries of doctors and healthcare workers during COVID-19 related duties shall be released on time.
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in consultation with Department of Personnel Training has also directed State Governments to consider quarantine period of healthcare workers as ‘on duty’.
- Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has also issued direction to the Chief Secretary of the States/Union Territories on provision for accommodation facilities for quarantine of healthcare workers. States/UTs were also advised to explore various rostering options.
- In the context of COVID-19, the Epidemic Diseases  Ordinance, 2020 was promulgated on 22ndApril 2020. Further this ordinance was brought before the Parliament has been passed and notified on 29thSeptember 2020. The amendment provides for safety and security of Health care Service Personnel  from acts of violence.
- Life insurance benefits  are provided under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package : Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19. The benefits under the said scheme have been extended w.e.f. 21st October 2021 for a further period of 180 days.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in awritten reply in the LokSabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
Fundamentals of Indian economy are strong – Vice President
India provides very attractive investment avenues– VP
Interacts with the delegates of YPO Europe One
he Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said today that the fundamentals of Indian economy are strong and India offers very good investment opportunities.
Shri Naidu made these remarks while interacting with the delegates of YPO, a global leadership community of Chief Executives, in New Delhi today.
Forty-five members from 22 countries of YPO Europe One are visiting India. The Vice President invited these delegates to invest in India.